I’ll still be at Arsenal next season — Wenger

Arsene Wenger has insisted he will not leave Arsenal this summer, as his optimism grows over keeping Mesut Ozil.

Wenger

Wenger’s future has been the subject of intense scrutiny following a difficult period that has seen Arsenal win just one game in their last six.

The Frenchman signed a new two-year deal ahead of this season and it is understood there is no break clause in the contract.

There have been suggestions Wenger could walk away at the end of the season due to the club’s difficulties on the pitch. However, Wenger has maintained on many occasions that he does not break contracts.

And when asked on Friday whether he could walk away this summer, he responded: ‘Will I be here next season? My contract clarifies that. Have I ever walked away (from a contract)? Never. Why should I change?’

And Wenger is growing increasingly confident of having Ozil at the club next season and beyond. Sportsmail revealed last month that the club had launched one last effort to persuade the Germany star to sign a new contract.

As it stands Ozil can leave for nothing in the summer. However, Arsenal sources claim there is growing optimism around the latest set of talks, with the club hopeful of securing the playmaker for around £300,000 a week.

Wenger confirmed the club have reopened negotiations with Ozil, saying: ‘We are still talking and there is still an opportunity for him to stay. We are more optimistic than the summer.’